Manchester City’s midfield maestro, Rodri has revealed a surprising snub from the football elite after his 2024 Ballon d’Or triumph.
In a candid interview, Rodri shared that none of the recent Ballon d’Or winners, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Luka Modric, and Karim Benzema, congratulated him on his victory.
Cyber Reporters reports that Rodri’s win on October 28 at the Théâtre du Châtelet saw him edge out Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. for the coveted award.
Despite the prestige surrounding the honor, the Spain international was noticeably absent from the congratulatory messages from his peers.
With a hint of humor, Rodri remarked, “Messages from previous Ballon d’Or winners? Let me check… There are none from Messi, Cristiano, Modrić, or Benzema (laughs).”
On a separate note, Rodri identified Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah as his toughest opponent in the Premier League, drawing parallels with the challenges he faced against Messi.
“I’d say Leo (Messi), and in the Premier League, Salah in his prime. Playing at Anfield is incredibly challenging; it feels like a knife,” Rodri admitted.
This revelation offers a glimpse into the complex dynamics within the football world, where admiration and respect are not always openly expressed among peers.
